Netgear orporated WG311TV3 Users Manual
Installation Guide for the
NETGEAR 108 Mbps
Wireless PCI Adapter
WG311T
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
202-10070-01
Version v3.0
December 2004
Technical Support
Please refer to the support information card that shipped with your product. By registering your
product at www.netgear.com/register
, we can provide you with faster expert technical support and
timely notices of product and software upgrades.
NETGEAR, INC. Support Information
Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR, for US & Canada only. For other countries, see your Support
information card.
E-mail: support@netgear.com
Web site: www.netgear.com
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice.
NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit
layout(s) described herein.
©2004 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, The Gear Guy and Everybody's Connecting are
trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved
December 2004
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the Model WG311T Wireless PCI Adapter has been suppressed in accordance with the
conditions set out in the BMPT- AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example,
test transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the
.
ii
notes in the operating instructions.
Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market and
has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.
FCC Information to User
This product does not contain any user serviceable components and is to be used with approved antennas
only. Any product changes or modifications will invalidate all applicable regulatory certifications and
approvals
FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure
In order to comply with RF exposure limits established in the ANSI C95.1 standards, the user is advised to maintain a
distance of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the antenna of this device while it is in use.
FCC Electronic Emission Notices
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement
NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Tested to Comply
with FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
FCC ID: PY3WG311TV3
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required
to correct the interference at his own expense.
iii
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Export Restrictions
This product or software contains encryption code which may not be exported or transferred from the US or
Canada without an approved US Department of Commerce export license.
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference
Regulations
This digital apparatus (Model WG311T Wireless PCI Adapter) does not exceed the Class B limits for radio-noise
emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Canada ID: 4054A-WG311TV3
iv
Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction
About the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T ...................................1-1
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products ............................................................ 1-1
What’s in the Box? ..........................................................................................................1-2
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’ ............................................................. 1-3
Chapter 2
Basic Setup
What You Will Need Before You Begin ...........................................................................2-1
Verify System Requirements ....................................................................................2-1
Observe Location and Range Guidelines ................................................................2-2
Two Basic Operating Modes ...........................................................................................2-2
WG311T Default Wireless Configuration Settings ..........................................................2-3
Basic Installation Instructions .........................................................................................2-4
For Windows XP Users Installing a WG311T ...........................................................2-4
For Windows 2000 & 98SE/Me Users Installing a WG311T .....................................2-8
WG311T Wireless Connection Indicators .....................................................................2-12
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors .....................................................................2-12
Basic Troubleshooting Tips ........................................................................................... 2-13
About Page ...................................................................................................................2-14
Chapter 3
Configuration
Understanding the Configuration Options ......................................................................3-1
Using Configuration Profiles ...........................................................................................3-1
Networks Page ...............................................................................................................3-2
Connecting to an Access Point in Infrastructure Mode ...................................................3-3
How to Configure an Infrastructure Mode Profile ..................................................... 3-3
Connecting to Another PC in Ad-Hoc Mode ...................................................................3-5
How to Configure an Ad-Hoc Mode Profile ..............................................................3-5
Enabling Wireless Security Features ..............................................................................3-8
Identifying the Wireless Security Settings ................................................................ 3-9
Contents v
How to Configure WEP Encryption Security ..........................................................3-10
How to Configure WPA-PSK Encryption Security .................................................. 3-11
Statistics Page ..............................................................................................................3-12
Advanced Settings Page .............................................................................................. 3-13
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................................................... 4-1
General Questions ...................................................................................................4-1
Why do I see no more than 54 Mbps on the Configuration Utility status line? ..4-1
The WG311T Smart Configuration Utility keeps asking me to save my settings 4-1
Ad Hoc mode is not working correctly ...............................................................4-2
How to know if the WG311T card has received a valid IP address from the Wireless
Router/AP ..........................................................................................................4-2
How to use XP’s own Wireless configuration utility that comes with Windows XP 4-2
How to remove the WG311T utility and software ...............................................4-2
I cannot connect to the AP that I want from the Networks browser list ............. 4-3
The WG311T is not getting an IP address .........................................................4-3
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) Questions ............................................................... 4-3
Why is my WG311T not connecting to my WPA router? ....................................4-3
Why is the icon in the System Tray flashing Green to Red alternately? ............4-3
How do I know that my WG311T WPA is working? ...........................................4-4
Why is the WAN port not working after configuring WPA? ................................4-4
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
Appendix B
Wireless Networking Basics
Wireless Networking Overview ...................................................................................... B-1
Infrastructure Mode ................................................................................................. B-1
Ad-Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer Workgroup) ................................................................ B-2
Network Name: Extended Service Set Identification (ESSID) ................................ B-2
Authentication and WEP ................................................................................................ B-2
802.11 Authentication .............................................................................................. B-3
Open System Authentication ................................................................................... B-3
Shared Key Authentication ...................................................................................... B-4
Overview of WEP Parameters ................................................................................ B-5
Key Size .................................................................................................................. B-6
vi Contents
WEP Configuration Options .................................................................................... B-6
Wireless Channels ......................................................................................................... B-7
WPA Wireless Security .................................................................................................. B-8
How Does WPA Compare to WEP? ........................................................................ B-9
How Does WPA Compare to IEEE 802.11i? ........................................................ B-10
What are the Key Features of WPA Security? ...................................................... B-10
WPA Authentication: Enterprise-level User
Authentication via 802.1x/EAP and RADIUS .................................................. B-12
WPA Data Encryption Key Management ........................................................ B-14
Is WPA Perfect? .................................................................................................... B-16
Product Support for WPA ...................................................................................... B-16
Supporting a Mixture of WPA and WEP Wireless Clients is Discouraged ...... B-16
Changes to Wireless Access Points ............................................................... B-17
Changes to Wireless Network Adapters ......................................................... B-17
Changes to Wireless Client Programs ............................................................ B-18
Appendix C
Preparing Your PCs for Network Access
Preparing Your Computers for TCP/IP Networking ....................................................... C-1
Configuring Windows 98SE and Me for TCP/IP Networking ......................................... C-1
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-1
Enabling DHCP to Automatically Configure TCP/IP Settings in Windows 98SE and Me
C-3
Selecting the Internet Access Method ..................................................................... C-5
Verifying TCP/IP Properties .................................................................................... C-5
Configuring Windows 2000 or XP for TCP/IP Networking ............................................. C-6
Install or Verify Windows Networking Components ................................................. C-6
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP or 2000 ......................................... C-7
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows XP ..................................................... C-7
DHCP Configuration of TCP/IP in Windows 2000 .................................................. C-9
Verifying TCP/IP Properties for Windows XP or 2000 ........................................... C-11
Glossary
List of Glossary Terms ................................................................................................... D-1
Index
Contents vii
viii Contents
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter introduces the features, package contents, and appearance of the NETGEAR 108
Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T.
About the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter
WG311T
The NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T gives you flexibility to install the PC in
the most convenient location available. The WG311T frees you from traditional Ethernet wiring
that is limited by cabling requirements.
Its auto-sensing capability allows high packet transfer up to 108 Mbps for maximum throughput or
dynamic range shifting to lower speeds due to distance or operating limitations in an environment
with a lot of electromagnetic interference.
The WG311T Wireless PCI Adapter provides reliable, standards-based 802.11b 11 Mbps Wireless
Local Area Network (WLAN) connectivity that is protected with industry-standard security. In
addition, it offers the faster speeds of the 802.11g standard. The WG311T works with Windows
98SE, Me, 2000, and XP operating systems.
Key Features and Related NETGEAR Products
The WG311T Wireless PCI Adapter provides the following features:
• Reliable IEEE 802.11b/g standards-based wireless technology.
• Supports roaming between access points when configured in Infrastructure mode.
• 108 Mbps high speed data transfer. Wireless nodes negotiate to operate in the optimal data
transfer rate. In a noisy environment or when the distance between the wireless nodes is far,
the wireless nodes automatically fall back to operate at lower transfer rates.
Introduction 1-1
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
• High level of data encryption using128-bit Shared Key WEP data encryption method. Lower
level of data encryption or no data encryption is available to simplify your network setup or to
improve the data transfer rate.
The following NETGEAR products can be configured to communicate with the WG311T Wireless
PCI Adapter:
• WGT634U 108 Mbps Wireless Media Router
• WGT624 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router
• WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point
• WGR614 54 Mbps Cable/DSL Wireless Router
• WGR511 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card
• MA111 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter
• ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
• MA311 802.11b Wireless PCI Adapter
• MR814 802.11b Wireless Cable/DSL Routers
• MA521 802.11b Wireless Compact Flash Card
What’s in the Box?
The product package should contain the following items:
• NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
• Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
• NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T Resource CD, including:
— Driver Software
— Wireless Assistant
— Installation Guide
• Warranty card
• Support information card
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the product for repair.
1-2 Introduction
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
A Road Map for ‘How to Get There From Here’
The introduction and adoption of any new technology can be a difficult process. Wireless
technology has removed one of the barriers to networking—running wires. It allows more people
to try networking, while at the same time exposes them to the inherent complexity of networking.
General networking concepts, set up, and maintenance can be difficult to understand. In addition,
wireless technology adds issues such as range, interference, signal quality, and security to the
picture.
To help overcome potential barriers to successfully using wireless networks, the table below
identifies how to accomplish such things as connecting to a wireless network, assuring appropriate
security measures are taken, browsing the Internet through your wireless connection, exchanging
files with other computers and using printers in the combined wireless and wired network.
Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Connect to a
wireless
network
1. Identify the
wireless
network name
(SSID) and, if
used, the
wireless
security
settings.
2. Set up the
NETGEAR
108 Mbps
Wireless PCI
Adapter
WG311T w ith
the settings
from step 1.
1. A wireless network
2. A desktop PC within the
operating range of the wireless
network. For guidelines about
the range of 802.11b/g
wireless networks, please see
“Observe Location and Range
Guidelines” on page 2-2.
To set up the WG311T, see
Chapter 2, “Basic Setup” and
follow the instructions provided.
To learn about wireless
networking technology, see
Appendix B, “Wireless
Networking Basics” for a general
introduction.
Introduction 1-3
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Protect my
wireless
connection from
snooping,
hacking, or
information
theft.
Note: Secure Internet sites such as banks and online merchants use encryption security built into browsers
like Internet Explorer and Netscape. Any wireless networking security features you might implement are in
addition to those already in place on secure Internet sites.
Connect to the
Internet over my
wireless
network.
1. Assure that the
wireless
network has
security
features
enabled.
2. Configure my
WG311T w ith
the security
settings of the
wireless
network.
3. Use Windows
security
features.
1. Activate my
wireless link
and verify my
network
connection.
2. Open an
Internet
browser such
as Internet
Explorer or
Netscape
Navigator.
1. A wireless network with
authentication and WEP
encryption enabled.
2. Wireless networking
equipment that supports WEP
encryption, such as the
WG311T and all NETGEAR
wireless networking products.
1. An active Internet connection
like those from cable or DSL
service providers.
2. A wireless network connected
to the cable or DSL Internet
service through a cable/DSL
router as illustrated in
“Connecting to an Access
Point in Infrastructure Mode”
on page 3-3.
3. TCP/IP Internet networking
software installed and
configured on my PC
according to the requirements
of the Internet service provider
4. A browser like Internet
Explorer or Netscape
Navigator.
To learn about wireless
networking security, see
“Authentication and WEP” on
page B-2.
To use wireless security
features, please see “Enabling
Wireless Security Features” on
page 3-8 and configure your
WG311T accordingly.
To configure your WG311T in
Infrastructure Mode, see “Basic
Installation Instructions” on
page 2-4, and locate the section
for your version of Windows.
For assistance with configuring
the TCP/IP Internet software on
a PC, see “Preparing Your
Computers for TCP/IP
Networking” on page C-1 or refer
to the PC Networking Tutorial on
the NETGEAR 108 Mbps
Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Resource CD and the Help
information provided in the
Windows system you are using.
.
1-4 Introduction
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Exchange files
between a
wirelessly
connected
notebook
computer and
other
computers in a
my combined
wireless and
wired
network.
1. Use the
Windows
Network
Neighborhood
feature to
browse for
computers in
the combined
wireless and
wired network.
2. Browse the
hard drive of
the target
computer in
the network in
order to locate
the directory or
files you want
to work with.
3. Use the
Windows
Explorer copy
and paste
functions to
exchange files
between the
computers.
1. The desktop computer I am
using to connect to the
wireless network needs to be
configured with the Windows
Client and File and Print
Sharing.
2. The desktop computer I am
using to connect to the
wireless network needs to be
configured with the same
Windows Workgroup or
Domain settings as the other
Windows computers in the
combined wireless and wired
network.
3. Any Windows networking
security access rights such as
login user name/ password
that have been assigned in the
Windows network or for
sharing particular files must be
provided when Windows
prompts for such information.
4. If so-called Windows ‘peer’
Workgroup networking is being
used, the drive, file system
directory, or file need to be
enabled for sharing.
For assistance with Windows
networking software, see
Appendix C, “Preparing Your
PCs for Network Access” for
configuration scenarios or refer
to the Help system included with
your version of Windows.
Windows Domain settings are
usually managed by corporate
computer support groups.
Windows Workgroup settings
are commonly managed by
individuals who want to set up
small networks in their homes, or
small offices.
For assistance with setting up
Windows networking, refer to the
PC Networking Tutorial on the
NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless
PCI Adapter WG311T Resource
CD and the Help information
provided in the Windows system
you are using.
Introduction 1-5
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Table 1-1. A Road Map for How to Get There From Here
If I Want To ... ? What Do I Do? What’s Needed? How Do I?
Use printers in
a combined
wireless and
wired
network.
1. Use the
Windows
Printers and
Fax features to
locate
available
printers in the
combined
wireless and
wired network.
2. Use the
Windows Add
a Printer
wizard to add
access to a
network printer
from the PC
you are using
to wirelessly
connect to the
network.
3. From the File
menu of an
application
such as
Microsoft
Word, use the
Print Setup
feature to
direct your
print output to
the printer in
the network.
1. The desktop computer I am
using to connect to the
wireless network needs to be
configured with the Windows
Client and File and Print
Sharing.
2. The desktop computer I am
using to connect to the
wireless network needs to be
configured with the same
Windows Workgroup or
Domain settings as the other
Windows computers in the
combined wireless and wired
network.
3. Any Windows networking
security access rights such as
login user name/ password
that have been assigned in the
Windows network must be
provided when Windows
prompts for such information.
4. If so-called Windows ‘peer’
networking is being used, the
printer needs to be enabled for
sharing.
Windows Domain settings are
usually managed by corporate
computer support groups.
Windows Workgroup settings
are commonly managed by
individuals who want to set up
small networks in their homes, or
small offices.
For assistance with setting up
Windows networking, refer to the
PC Networking Tutorial on the
NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless
PCI Adapter WG311T Resource
CD and the Help information
provided in the Windows system
you are using.
For assistance with setting up
printers in Windows, refer to the
Help and Support information
that comes with the version of
the Windows operating systems
you are using.
1-6 Introduction
Chapter 2
Basic Setup
This section describes how to install your NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
and set up basic wireless connectivity on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Advanced
wireless network configuration is covered in Chapter 3, “Configuration” in this manual.
Note: Indoors, computers can easily connect to 802.11 wireless networks at distances of
several hundred feet. Because walls do not always block wireless signals, others from
outside your immediate area could access your network. It is important to take
appropriate steps to secure your network from unauthorized access. The NETGEAR
108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T provides highly effective security features
which are covered in “Enabling Wireless Security Features” on page 3-8. Deploy the
security features appropriate to your needs.
What You Will Need Before You Begin
You need to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and identify the
wireless network configuration settings of the WLAN where you will connect before you can
configure your wireless pc adapter and connect.
Verify System Requirements
Before installing the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T, please make sure that
these minimum requirements have been met:
• Pentium
•CD-ROM drive
• 20 Mbytes of free hard disk space
• Some versions of Windows may ask for the original Windows operating system installation
files to complete the installation of the WG311T driver software
®
III class computer with an available PCI slot
Basic Setup 2-1
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Observe Location and Range Guidelines
Computers can connect over 802.11g wireless networks indoors at a range which varies
significantly based on the physical location of the computer with the NETGEAR 108 Mbps
Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T. For best results, avoid potential sources of interference, such as:
• Large metal surfaces
•Microwaves
• 2.4 GHz Cordless phones
In general, 802.11g wireless devices can communicate through walls. However, if the walls are
constructed with concrete, or have metal, or metal mesh, the 802.11g effective range will decrease
if such materials are between the devices.
Two Basic Operating Modes
The WG311T Wireless PCI Adapter, like all 802.11b/g adapters, can operate in the following two
basic modes:
•
Infrastructure Mode: An 802.11 networking framework in which devices and computers
communicate with each other by first going through an access point (AP). For example, this
mode is used when computers in a house connect to an AP that is attached to a router which
lets multiple computers share a single Cable or DSL broadband Internet connection.
•
Ad-Hoc Mode: An 802.11 networking framework in which devices or computers
communicate directly with each other, without the use of an access point. For example,
Ad-Hoc Mode is used when two Windows computers are configured with file and print
sharing enabled and you want to exchange files directly between them.
Both of these configuration options are available with the WG311T Wireless PCI Adapter.
Infrastructure configuration procedures for basic network connectivity are covered below.
Advanced infrastructure configuration procedures and ad-hoc configuration are covered in
Chapter 3, “Configuration” of this manual.
2-2 Basic Setup
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
WG311T Default Wireless Configuration Settings
If this is a new wireless network installation, use the factory default settings to set up the network
and verify wireless connectivity. If this is an addition to an existing wireless network, you will
need to identify the wireless configuration and security parameters already defined.
Your NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T factory default basic settings are:
• Network Name Service Set Identification (SSID):
first available network will be used
Note
: In order for the WG311T Wireless PCI Adapter to communicate with a wireless access
ANY — a special name which indicates the
point or wireless adapter, all devices must be configured with the same wireless network name
(SSID).
• Network Mode (Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc):
Infrastructure
• Data security WEP encryption: Disabled
The section below provides instructions for setting up the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI
Adapter WG311T for basic wireless connectivity to an access point. The procedures provide
step-by-step installation instructions for Windows PCs. Use the procedure that corresponds to the
version of Windows you are using.
Basic Setup 2-3
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Basic Installation Instructions
Use the procedure below that corresponds to the version of Windows you are using.
For Windows XP Users Installing a WG311T
Install the WG311T software.
a. Power on your computer, let the
operating system boot up completely,
and log in as needed.
b. Insert the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless
PCI Adapter WG311T Resource CD into
your CD-ROM drive. The CD main page
shown at the right will load.
WG311T Resource CD
c. Click the “Install Driver & Utility” link.
d. Follow the Smart Wizard - Install
Assistant steps, and click Finish when
done to restart your computer.
Note: If this page does not automatically appear,
browse the root of the CD and double-click on
autorun.exe to display this page.
Smart Wizard - Install Assistant
Note: If a Windows XP Certification warning appears,
click Continue Anyway to proceed.
2-4 Basic Setup
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Install the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless
PCI Adapter WG311T.
a. Shut down the PC and remove the power
cord. Insert the WG311T Wireless PCI
Adapter into an available PCI slot.
Connect the antenna to the adapter and
position the antenna to the up position.
Reconnect the power cord and reboot the
computer.
b. The Found New Hardware Wizard
displays. Click Next and follow the
prompts to proceed.
Click Continue Anyway if you are
prompted with a Windows XP Logo
testing message.
Add New Hardware Wizard
c. You will be prompted to choose the country
where you are located. Select your location
from the list.
d. You also will be prompted to enable the
NETGEAR Smart Wireless Settings Utility
configuration utility.
Click Ye s to accept this option.
If you choose No, you must read the Windows XP documentation to learn
how to use the Windows XP wireless network configuration utility.
e.
After the installation completes, click
Finish to close the wizard.
You should see the WG311T system tray
icon on the lower right portion of the
Windows task bar.
Windows XP will display a Wireless
Network Connection message.
WG311T System Tray Icon
Windows XP Network Connection Alert
Basic Setup 2-5
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Configure your WG311T and save the
Profile.
a. Open the WG311T Smart Wireless
Configuration Utility by clicking on the
icon in the Windows system tray. The
Click the system tray icon to open the Smart Wireless
Configuration utility.
utility opens to the Settings page.
b. Change the Network Name SSID to
match your network.
Tip: As an alternative to typing in the
SSID, you can use the Network tab to
view the available wireless networks.
Double-click on the desired network.
c. Click Apply to activate the connection.
d. Enter a name for your profile and click
Save Profile to store the current settings.
Tip: If you use your notebook PC to
connect to a wireless network at work
and at home, create profiles called work
and home.
Note: This procedure assumes your wireless
network is not using security. If your wireless
network uses WEP or WPA-PSK, set up your
WG311T accordingly. To view the wireless
security settings help, click the Help button.
WG311T Configuration Utility
Note: The NETGEAR default settings are
Infrastructure mode, with ANY for the wireless
network name SSID, and WEP disabled.
2-6 Basic Setup
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Verify wireless connectivity to your network.
a. Open the WG311T utility by clicking on the icon in the Windows system tray.
Note: You can use the Networks tab
to verify the availability of wireless
networks and their SSIDs.
For more information, see
“Understanding the Configuration
Options” on page 3-1.
b. Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources.
Note: If you are unable to connect, see “Basic Troubleshooting Tips” on page 2-13.
Basic Setup 2-7
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
For Windows 2000 & 98SE/Me Users Installing a WG311T
Install the WG311T software.
Note: Windows 2000 may require you to be
logged on with administrator rights.
a. Power on your computer, let the
operating system boot up completely,
and log in as needed.
b. Insert the Resource CD for the WG311T
into your CD-ROM drive. The CD main
page shown at the right will load.
c. Click the “Install Driver & Utility” link.
WG311T Resource CD
d. Follow the Smart Wizard - Install
Assistant steps, and click Finish when
done to restart your computer.
Note: If you are prompted to restart your
computer, choose instead to shut it down.
This will let you install the WG311T before
restarting. Windows will find the new
hardware and can use the software you
installed.
Smart Wizard - Install Assistant
2-8 Basic Setup
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Install the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless
PCI Adapter WG311T.
a. Shut down the PC and remove the power
cord. Insert the WG311T Wireless PCI
Adapter into an available PCI slot.
b. Reconnect the power cord and reboot the
computer. After a short delay, the Found
New Hardware Wizard displays.
c. You will be prompted to choose the
country where you are located. Select
your location from the list.
d. Click Next and follow the prompts to
proceed. After the installation
completes, click Finish to close the
wizard.
You should see the WG311T system tray
icon on the lower right portion of the
Windows task bar.
Add New Hardware Wizard
Note: If Windows displays a Digital Signature Not
Found warning, click Yes to continue.
WG311T System Tray Icon
Basic Setup 2-9
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Configure your WG311T and save the
Profile.
a. Open the WG311T Smart Wireless
Configuration Utility by clicking on the
icon in the Windows system tray. The
utility opens to the Settings page.
b. Change the Network Name SSID to
match your network.
Tip: As an alternative to typing in the
SSID, you can use the Network tab to
view the available wireless networks.
Double-click on the desired network.
c. Click the Apply button to activate the
connection.
d. Enter a name for your profile and click
the Save Profile button to store the
current settings.
Tip: If you use your notebook PC to
connect to a wireless network at work
and at home, create profiles called work
and home.
Click here to open the configuration utility.
WG311T system tray icon
WG311T Configuration Utility
Note: The NETGEAR default settings are
Infrastructure mode, with ANY for the wireless
network name SSID, and WEP disabled.
Note: This procedure assumes you are
connecting to a wireless network which is not
using WEP security. If your network includes
WEP settings, enter the security information
in the Security section. For help with these
steps, see “Enabling Wireless Security
Features” on page 3-8.
2-10 Basic Setup
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
Verify wireless connectivity to your network.
a. Verify that your connection information matches your wireless network.
Note: You can use the Networks
tab to verify the availability of
wireless networks and their SSIDs.
For more information, see
“Understanding the Configuration
Options” on page 3-1.
b. Verify connectivity to the Internet or network resources.
Note: If you are unable to connect, see “Basic Troubleshooting Tips” on page 2-13.
Basic Setup 2-11
Installation Guide for the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T
WG311T Wireless Connection Indicators
The NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter WG311T SysTray icon, which is on the System
Tray portion of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop, is an indicator that gives you
feedback on the status of your wireless connection. The color of the SysTray icon indicates the
status of the connection.
Interpreting System Tray Icon Colors
The System Tray (SysTray) resides on one end of the taskbar in the Microsoft Windows desktop.
Color Condition Description
Red
Yellow
Green
The wireless PCI Adapter
has no connection to any
other wireless node.
The wireless PCI Adapter
has a connection with
another wireless node.
The wireless PCI Adapter
has a connection with
another wireless node.
The wireless PCI Adapter is not able to link to any
other wireless node or the link is lost. Check your
configuration or try moving to a location where the
wireless signal quality is better.
The wireless link is weak. You may deed to move to a
better spot, such as closer to the wireless access point.
Also, look for possible interference such as a 2.4 GHz
cordless phone or large metal surface.
The wireless PCI Adapter has established good
communication with an access point and the signal
quality is strong.
2-12 Basic Setup
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